Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense emotional instability, turbulent relationships, an evolving sense of self, and impulsive behaviors. Individuals with BPD often struggle with sudden mood swings, chronic feelings of emptiness, and a deep fear of abandonment—whether it is real or imagined. These intense emotions can be challenging to navigate, frequently leading to impulsive actions like self-harm, or other risky behaviors as coping mechanisms.
At Evergreen Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for individuals affected by BPD. Our mission is to support each person on their path toward healing and personal growth.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
A hallmark of BPD is the instability it causes in personal relationships. People with BPD may quickly shift from idealizing someone to feeling deeply disappointed or abandoned by them. This rapid emotional flip, often called “splitting,” reflects the black-and-white thinking frequently associated with the disorder. Another defining characteristic is an unstable self-image—many individuals with BPD feel uncertain about who they are, often changing their identity, goals, or values in response to shifting emotions or interpersonal dynamics.
Although BPD is recognized as a singular diagnosis, mental health professionals sometimes identify informal subtypes to better understand the nuances of how symptoms appear in different individuals. While not officially included in diagnostic manuals, these subtypes can offer valuable insights:
- Impulsive Type – Marked by reckless behaviors, impulsivity, and intense yet short-lived emotional reactions.
- Petulant Type – Defined by irritability, mood swings, and passive-aggressive behavior, particularly when feeling rejected or let down.
- Discouraged Type – More internally focused, this type often presents as submissive, dependent, and plagued by low self-worth and helplessness.
- Self-Destructive Type – Involves behaviors like self-injury, suicidal ideation, and profound self-hatred.
Despite common misconceptions and stigma, BPD is a treatable condition. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is one of the most effective treatments available, equipping individuals with tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthier interpersonal relationships. Other therapeutic approaches—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and mentalization-based therapy—can also play a pivotal role in recovery.
While medications aren’t typically used to treat BPD directly, they may help address accompanying conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood instability.
With timely diagnosis and consistent therapeutic support, individuals living with BPD can achieve significant progress. Many go on to form meaningful relationships, manage their emotions more effectively, and lead fulfilling lives. Healing is possible—with the right guidance, compassion, and care.
Effects of Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD can influence nearly every aspect of a person’s life—from their self-perception and emotional resilience to how they connect with others and manage daily stress. While BPD is rooted in mental health, its impact extends well beyond the emotional realm, often affecting both physical health and social functioning.
Physical Effects of Borderline Personality Disorder
Although BPD is classified as a psychological disorder, its effects are often felt physically. Chronic emotional turmoil can manifest in physical symptoms such as persistent fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, and disrupted sleep or appetite. Over time, the stress associated with BPD can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to illness.
Self-harming behaviors—frequently used as coping mechanisms—pose serious physical dangers. These may include cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury, often employed to relieve overwhelming emotional distress. In more severe cases, individuals may struggle with suicidal ideation or attempts, necessitating urgent psychological and medical care. Additionally, impulsive behaviors like reckless driving, or unsafe sexual activity can have long-lasting health consequences.
Mental and Emotional Impact of Borderline Personality Disorder
Emotional intensity is one of the defining challenges of BPD. People often describe feeling as though they’re on a constant emotional rollercoaster, swinging rapidly between joy, anger, sadness, and fear—especially in response to perceived rejection or conflict. These fluctuations can be mentally exhausting and deeply disruptive to everyday functioning.
A fragmented or unstable sense of identity is also common. Those with BPD may struggle to define who they are, experience chronic emptiness, or have a poor self-image. These challenges often result in shifting life goals, changing values, and a lack of consistency in how one views themselves. Persistent emotions like shame, guilt, and abandonment fears can further compound these struggles.
Without intervention, BPD may lead to additional mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or eating disorders. Intrusive thoughts and impulsivity can intensify these problems, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break without professional support.
How Borderline Personality Disorder Affects Social Life
Relationships are often one of the most significantly affected areas for individuals with BPD. The combination of emotional volatility, fear of abandonment, and impulsive reactions can create intense and unstable interpersonal dynamics. In romantic relationships, friendships, and even family ties, individuals may form deep attachments quickly, only to withdraw or react strongly when they feel hurt, ignored, or misunderstood.
These patterns can lead to ongoing conflicts, trust issues, and emotional distance. Some may avoid social settings entirely out of fear of rejection, while others may have difficulty setting healthy boundaries—leading to codependency or unhealthy attachments. Over time, this instability can result in a lack of meaningful, supportive relationships, reinforcing feelings of isolation and negative self-perceptions.
Rebuilding trust and forming healthy relationships is a vital part of recovery. Therapy can be instrumental in helping individuals with BPD understand and improve their interpersonal skills, establish clear boundaries, and cultivate secure, lasting connections that foster growth and emotional stability.
Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD is a multifaceted mental health condition that affects the way individuals think, feel, and behave. Its symptoms can influence not only emotional and psychological well-being but also physical health and day-to-day functioning. Recognizing the signs across these different dimensions is essential for early identification, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment. Below is an overview of the most common physical, behavioral, and psychological indicators of BPD.
Physical Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
Although BPD is primarily psychological, it frequently manifests through physical symptoms driven by chronic emotional stress and harmful coping strategies. These physical effects often result from the body’s prolonged stress response or direct self-injurious behavior.
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Muscle tension and frequent headaches
- Digestive issues such as nausea or stomach pain
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or hypersomnia
- Appetite changes and fluctuating weight
- Visible signs of self-harm (cuts, burns, or bruises)
- Compromised immune function, leading to frequent illnesses
Behavioral Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
Behavioral signs reflect how individuals with BPD interact with their environment and cope with emotional distress. These actions are often impulsive, unpredictable, or self-destructive, particularly when triggered by interpersonal conflict or internal turmoil.
- Impulsive behaviors such as reckless driving, binge eating, or risky sexual activity
- Drastic mood shifts triggered by seemingly minor events
- Volatile relationships characterized by idealization followed by devaluation
- Engaging in self-harming behaviors
- Verbal or behavioral expressions of suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Struggles with consistency in work, friendships, or daily responsibilities
- Angry outbursts or passive-aggressive responses to conflict
Psychological Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder
The internal experiences of someone with BPD are often the most overwhelming. These symptoms reflect deep-rooted difficulties with self-identity, emotional regulation, and interpersonal trust.
- Intense fear of rejection or abandonment
- Chronic feelings of emptiness or emotional numbness
- Unstable self-image or shifting sense of identity
- Rapid changes in emotional state—such as anxiety, irritability, or depression
- Periods of paranoia or feeling detached from reality, especially under stress
- Difficulty forming or maintaining trust in relationships
- Persistent emotions of guilt, shame, or self-hatred
How to Treat Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD is a complex, yet treatable mental health condition. With the right combination of therapy, support systems, and self-care practices, many individuals are able to manage their symptoms, build healthier relationships, and lead fulfilling, stable lives.
Successful treatment usually involves a personalized, multi-dimensional approach that may incorporate psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and strong social connections.
Therapy and Counseling
Therapy is the cornerstone of BPD treatment. Among the most effective is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a structured, skills-based approach specifically developed for individuals who experience intense emotions and self-destructive tendencies. DBT helps individuals build critical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Other evidence-based therapies can also be beneficial, including:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reshape negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Schema Therapy: Targets long-standing patterns and beliefs formed in early life.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Enhances the ability to understand one’s own and others’ mental states.
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): Focuses on understanding emotions and relationship patterns through the therapeutic relationship.
Working with a qualified therapist over time can lead to lasting emotional stability and improved quality of life.
Medication Support
While no medication is specifically approved to treat BPD, certain prescriptions may help alleviate co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood instability, or impulsivity. Common options include:
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs)
- Mood stabilizers
- Low-dose antipsychotics
Medication is most effective when paired with therapy, rather than used as a stand-alone treatment. A collaborative approach with a psychiatrist ensures that medication is tailored to the individual’s needs, with ongoing monitoring for effectiveness and side effects.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Practices
Healthy daily routines and self-care strategies can greatly support emotional and mental wellness. Key lifestyle practices include:
- Regular physical activity such as walking, yoga, or swimming
- Balanced nutrition and consistent sleep patterns
- Mindfulness techniques, like meditation and breathing exercises, to reduce emotional reactivity
- Creative outlets such as journaling, art, or music to process emotions
- Routine and structure to provide stability
Social and Emotional Support
Supportive, healthy relationships are essential to managing BPD. Encouragement from informed friends, family members, or romantic partners can offer comfort and grounding during emotionally turbulent times. It’s important that loved ones learn about BPD, so they can respond with empathy while reinforcing positive behavior.
Peer support groups, whether in-person or online, also offer valuable connection. Sharing experiences with others who understand the unique struggles of BPD can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical coping tools.
Holistic and Complementary Therapies
Many individuals find additional benefit from integrating alternative therapies into their treatment plans. These can include:
- Creative therapies, like art or music therapy, to express and process emotions
- Animal-assisted or equine therapy to promote emotional trust and regulation
- Mind-body practices such as acupuncture, massage, tai chi, or Qigong to reduce stress
- Nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids or magnesium—though these should only be used under medical supervision
While holistic methods can enhance well-being, they should be used as supplements to—not replacements for—professional care.
Get Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment in South Portland, Maine
If you’re ready to take back control and move forward with strength, Evergreen Behavioral Health is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to walking alongside you throughout your recovery journey, offering personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic support, and a nurturing environment, we strive to create the foundation for lasting relief and personal transformation.
Call us at (888) 907-7290, email admissions@evergreenbh.com, or visit us in person at 707 Sable Oaks Drive in South Portland, ME (04106).
We’re here for you 24/7—you don’t have to face borderline personality disorder alone.